If you live in the NYC area, as I do, you are bombarded with radio and TV ads for Sleepy's, "the mattress professionals." Their never-ending self-promotion and "one-day sales" (until the next one, tomorrow) get on my last nerve. So why am I mentioning them? Because when I walked past a Sleepy's store last week I saw an ad in the window for the Spaldin Soy Bed. A soy bed? Really? I was intrigued.

Turns out that Spaldin, a Spanish company, makes its soy mattresses in four types: Aircell-Soy, Biocell-Soy, Sensitex-Soy, and Memory-Soy. All are made from biodegradable materials that are cultivated without pesticides and processed without harmful chemicals. Read more here.

Quality rest and environmental peace of mind are not inexpensive, however. While prices are not listed on the Spaldin site, this page at, ahem, Sleepy's, gives an idea of the price range of Spaldin beds. Original prices run from $1,400 - $5,000. As of this writing, Sleepy's has all four models on sale. Alas, green costs now but saves the planet for later.

I love the color on this Woodstock Hobo by Be & D more than I've loved a handbag color in a long time -- it's so soothing! And it has an interesting 'cozy but chilled' vibe going on. Not crazy about the stiff-looking handle but I can see how it works with the overall shape and style of the bag. It's simple textured leather with a large exterior fold-over flap pocket, pretty silver studs on a decorative leather strap, and a beige suede lining. Magnetic snap closure, interior pockets x 3, $995.

If you love hotel beds this is your month to buy. Two hotel brands are hosting retail sales. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Heavenly Bed, Westin Hotels & Resorts is kicking off a two-week sale on its entire retail line with 25 percent off Heavenly Beds, travel blankets, new bath amenities, White Tea scent products, and more. The sale runs from August 24-September 7 at www.westin.com/store. Marriott's bed is also on sale for two weeks. It is listed at 20 percent off from August 14-27 at www.shopmarriott.com. Now if only I could find someone to make my bed as nicely as they do in the hotels.

Cariboo of New Zealand makes classic heirloom furniture for children. The crib shown here is made of of sustainable Radiata pine timber finished with a biodegradable, earth-friendly finish. The crib has low sides and no drop side mechanism and fits a standard-sized North American crib mattress. Later when your child is older, the crib can convert to a toddler bed or a small sofa (with conversion kits). It sells for $1,559.95 and is available at a variety of stores throughout the U.S.

Frette's holiday collection is always something special. In 2006, we had Sophia, a line inspired by ancient brocades and damasks used by royal dynasties across Europe. In 2007, we experienced Helena, a golden set inspired by Helen of Troy. This year the inspiration was 17th Century Swedish Queen Christina and her stirring portrayal by Greta Garbo in the 1933 film. The dramatic collection rendered in rich reds with a tapestry look consists of just 64 numbered sets in an ebony box containing a duvet, two Euro shams and two pillows. The retail price is $6,000.

The rest of the holiday collection includes mink slippers, a mink throw, wool blankets, cashmere scarves and a few selected high-end pieces of loungewear. The collection will be on display in Frette windows in November but you can catch a sneak peek in the gallery below.

[via Home Textiles Today]

Here's a bumper bed for your special family member that you can feel good about, ecologically-speaking. Covered in organic cotton twill, free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers, it's filled with a comfy, cozy stuffing and is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, which diverts more than 25 tons of plastic bottles from landfills every year. The bed features a center, removable pillow that can also be used separately inside crates or the car. It's a great option for allergic, sensitive, or orthopedic pets. Made in the U.S.A., machine washable. A portion of sale proceeds are donated. Sizes S - XL; $76.95 - $178.95.

This looks like such an awesome bed! I absolutely love rocking chairs because they're so relaxing, and this Private Cloud bed looks like it would have much the same vibe. Besides the obvious "floating on a cloud" feeling you must get when in the bed, its open and expansive design conveys airy floating elements of the clouds when looking at the bed also. It's sure to make almost any room feel bigger and more open.

I do wonder, though, how easily it rocks. It might be nice to feel a little sway here and there as you reposition during the night, but if you're married do you have to be careful how you get up in the morning? You know, so you don't set it off rocking like crazy and make your poor spouse seasick?


Via Gizmodo

Why is a bed being shown at the 2008 CES? Because the Starry Night Bed from Leggett & Platt contains a lot of technology. The bed has a vibration sensor and load cell technologies that measure how much you toss and turn, and how often you get out of bed at night. it also detects snoring and then slightly raises the snorer to help eliminate the problem. When the snoring stops, the bed goes back down. The bed can also be set to preheat or precool either both or one side of the bed. The bed's comprehensive calculations can be read on a bedside monitor that shows last night's sleep data and can compare it to previous nights.

The bed has a surround sound system with four eight-inch subwoofers and a headboard project that casts a 10-foot screen on the wall. it also has wireless internet connectivity and a wireless keyboard. The internet display can be projected via the screen. It has 1.5 terabytes of disc storage for almost 400,000 songs or up to 2,000 hours of video. The bed will be available in the first half of 2009 and is expected to sell for $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the features ordered.

Think this is the only pricey bed around? Check out our gallery of some of the most expensive beds below!

You can spend all kinds of time and energy decorating your bedroom with accessories and accents to get a look that makes a statement, or you could just get a bed like this Dylan Designer Contemporary Bed. Its design leaves it looking like it's floating, supported only by the one side. It's constructed of metal with soft leather upholstery and is available in five colors and two sizes.

It's so simple it will blend well into many different styles of decor, although I think it will look best when not surrounded by a lot of clutter or detail. $5,456


Via Born Rich

This Aitutaki Bamboo Bed is big, bold, and beautiful, but in a completely understated and natural way -- if that makes any sense. The sheer white curtains bring romance to the large bamboo pillars, which are available in 3 stain colors to match your decor. I love almost all 4 post canopy style beds but I think my favorite part about this one is the handmade and completely organic and natural appearance of the bamboo beams, with the end-grain and knuckles clearly visible. Plus it's great that it's made of sustainable materials. $4000

Just float. Doesn't that sound awesome? Especially at the end of a long stressful day when you're getting ready for bed. The Float is a bed from Max Longin furniture design, and it's based on the concept of a "central point of rest to which everything leads in a pliable and soft way." It moves when you move, and no matter where you sleep it balances itself. It's very simple, organic, and peaceful looking, although choice of bedding is critical as it could easily lose its appeal if buried in blankets.

And to make things even better the bed ecologically dismantles and forms its own transportation case. $6,200-$7,600

At first glance, this bed appears to be a cushioned platform in front a headboard consisting of two colorful, if oddly shaped, windows. But look closely and you will see what I missed at first - the headboard is meant to represent a couple kissing. Now, that is a romantic bed. Designed by Italian architect and artist Gaetano Pesce, the European double bed is made from resin panels, joined together with nylon pins. If you are sleeping alone, consider the single version. $12,000 for the double.

This is one expensive bed, and we are not even talking about the bed itself, just the coverings. Purveyors of pricey sheets, Frette have created a new limited edition sheet set. Helena, inspired by Helen of Troy, is a duvet set with a cover, two square shams and two boudoirs which are a modern interpretation of antique silk damask with gold brocade. The sets are made of silk and silk shantung with golden lame threads. The set is a limited edition of 99 pieces which sell for $6,000 per set. To match the set Frette has also created a throws and cushions in natural brown Barguzinski Silvery Sable, backed in burnished gold shantung silk. It sells for an astounding $85,000. You can admire the collection in Frette windows starting in November.

Whether you love camping for just a few nights or for weeks on end, this Sundance Teardrop Trailer is bound to make the whole experience more enjoyable. Its size makes for a happy medium between uncomfortable pitch tent and gas-guzzling RV, and manages to take the best conveniences from both. Inside it's big enough to house a full-size mattress with a skylight, LED lights, and ventilation system, and outside the hatchback opens up to reveal a shade over the stove, pump faucet, a Coleman steel cooler, and storage space for all the supplies you'll need. $24,000.


Via Style.com

When I first saw the cocoon-like Lomme bed which debuted last week and made the rounds of the design blogs I had a few questions. Kath Stevens of the European Launch Pad was kind enough to answer my questions. The questions and answers follow below:

1)What is the frame composed of?
Lomme is made of GRP (Glass reinforced polymer). It is a hand laminated
process where the manufacturer uses glass fabric tissues in combination with
epoxy resin and a core material.

2) What size is it?
Height: 149.1 cm
Width: 212.8 cm
Length: 315.4 cm

3) Does it come in different sizes, can you use standard sheets?

It comes in one size, which is perfect for creating a space where one can
feel safely enclosed but at the same time it is very spacious.
Special round sheets and pillows can be ordered with Lomme.

5) How do the sound and color therapy systems work?

Color therapy:
Lomme has a light system installed all around the pod, which includes
different colors from the spectrum which is navigated through color wheel.
Depending on requirements, the light can also be set to a specific color
and strength. This light color therapy is known to enhance the body's
energy centers and stimulate the healing process. Color has a profound
effect on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
In addition Lomme has and alarm clock installed which awakens one by
simulation of the sunrise - making waking up in the morning a pleasant start
to the day.

Sound therapy:
With the installed Ipod one can listen to relaxing sounds and guided
meditations. Certain sounds will be recommended for waking up and helping
with the process of falling asleep.

5) And the big one, the price?
42,000 euros